Houston West Chamber of Commerce and the British American Business Council (BABC) jointly celebrated the opening of new offices at local offshore engineering company, Houlder Americas. Opening remarks were delivered by Garry Kennie, President of Houlder Americas and Rupert Hare, CEO of parent company Houlder Ltd (UK). They described the companies’ growth and ambitions.

“Moving into new, larger offices begins another chapter for Houlder Americas as we are positioned for future growth in Houston and beyond.” commented Rupert who flew from London for the event.

Katie Bridges and Susan Carpenter of Granite Properties with Rupert Hare and Gary Kennie

The 4,000 sq. ft. office space in the Granite Briarpark Green building will allow for future expansion for the company.  Houlder Americas expects to create 12 new local engineering roles in the next two years.

The support from Houston affiliated UK organizations like BABC, Scottish Development International (SDI) and the UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) has been instrumental in Houlder Americas success.  “Since arriving in Houston in 2013, the community has made us feel welcomed and we look forward to a strong relationship with the Houston West Chamber of Commerce” Kennie told the attendees at the ceremony.

Becci Himes and Derek Blackwood of BABC with Jeannie Bollinger of Houston Chamber of Commerce

Attendees included Derek Blackwood, President, BABC, Leah Mayo, Consul, Head of UK Trade & Investment, Maureen Pithie, Vice President, US Central Region, SDI, Jeannie Bollinger, President & CEO, Houston West Chamber of Commerce, Becci Himes, Executive Director, BABC, Susan Carpenter, Property Manager, Granite Properties.

Houlder Americas launched in 2013 to fulfil a demand for specialist offshore design and engineering. UK based parent company, Houlder entered the Oil & Gas sector in the 1970s as a drilling and subsea contractor. It designed, owned and operated mobile drilling units, dive support vessels and semi-submersibles before becoming a wholly independent engineering provider.

Gary Kennie with Jeannie Bollinger, President & CEO, Houston West Chamber of Commerce

Today, the company provides wholly independent design & analysis, engineering & innovation and project management services varying from leading semisubmersible rig upgrades and vessel conversions to supplying new deck equipment and handling systems.

 

 

 

Top Picture: Maureen Pithie, Vice President, US Central Region , Scottish Development International and Leah Mayo, Consul, Head of UK Trade & Investment with Rupert Hare and Garry Kennie.